Choosing Your Major

Choosing a major can be a daunting task when you’re not sure what you want to do or what your interests are. You’re not alone, but you are on a time limit with the GI Bill which means that you don’t have the advantage of trying something out for a couple of semesters and then changing your mind. So, what are your options?

Be honest with yourself, about your academic strengths and weaknesses. If you are not good at math, or just simply do not like it, then do not try to force yourself to do a math or science based major. Pick something that highlights your strengths and you will enjoy.

“Do something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Harvey Mackay

Research. The first thing that comes to everyone’s mind when trying to decide on a major is, what’s going to make me the most money? That is a logical first question; however, do not assume you know the answer.

Research the job outlook in the next 5 years.

Research the list of majors you have to choose from.

What kinds of jobs are graduates of those majors getting?

What do you enjoy spending time doing?

What was your favorite job, either in the service or civilian life?

What do you excel at doing?

Do you want to work indoors or outdoors?

What is that major looking for in a transfer student? (see the links below)

Do you have the pre-requisites completed in order to be admitted to that major?

In the words of a recent graduate,” Research your degree plan. Use the Military Admissions office to help. The GI Bill is finite and there are no do-overs. I planned my course load for my entire TAMU career in my first semester and made updates after each semester. No super senior here!”

Research is the key. Texas A&M University has 120 majors in 9 different colleges. Some majors will be more difficult to gain admission to than others. For instance, some applicants have heard that they can earn a large income by being a petroleum engineer in the oil and gas industry. Petroleum Engineering is one of the toughest majors to get into; however, it is not the only way into the oil and gas field. There are also Geology and Geophysics in the College of Geosciences which have a completely different criteria for admission.

If you are a transfer student, make sure to use the transfer sheet guides on the admissions page. Go to:

http://admissions.tamu.edu/transfer/majors click on the college you are interested in and then the 2016-17 beside the major you want to consider. The recommended and suggested coursework for that specific major can be printed for you to reference later.

Another good research tool is http://www.bls.gov/ooh/ This will give you a great overview of career paths and their future.

Just remember, you have choices, but choose wisely. If you still have questions after researching and narrowing your choices, please feel free to contact Karen Cambronero, Military Admission Liaison, or Karen Allen, Military Admissions Counseling Advisor at militaryadmissions@tamu.edu or 979-845-3161.